Preview — The Butcher of Anderson Station
by James S.A. Corey

From New York Times bestselling author James S. A. Corey... A new story set in the world of The Expanse. One day, Colonel Fred Johnson will be hailed as a hero to the system. One day, he will meet a desperate man in possession of a stolen spaceship and a deadly secret and extend a hand of friendship. But long before he became the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, FredFrom New York Times bestselling author James S. A. Corey... A new story set in the world of The Expanse. One day, Colonel Fred Johnson will be hailed as a hero to the system. One day, he will meet a desperate man in possession of a stolen spaceship and a deadly secret and extend a hand of friendship. But long before he became the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, Fred Johnson had a very different name. The Butcher of Anderson Station.

Community Reviews

I knew about this prequel story even before of reading "Leviathan Wakes", however, I decided to read before the actual first book on the series since I was afraid that in just 40 pages, it won't be possible to establish the literature universe of the series to really get this short story.

I think that I chose the right decision. It was a good introductory story to the character of Fred Johnson, who is a supportive but key character in the development of the story in "Leviathan Wakes". Even you geI knew about this prequel story even before of reading "Leviathan Wakes", however, I decided to read before the actual first book on the series since I was afraid that in just 40 pages, it won't be possible to establish the literature universe of the series to really get this short story.

I think that I chose the right decision. It was a good introductory story to the character of Fred Johnson, who is a supportive but key character in the development of the story in "Leviathan Wakes". Even you get a glimpse of Anderson Dawes who is other supportive character in the first book.

I enjoyed the short story and that gives a better view of where Fred Johnson stands. However, I encourage to read the story after of reading the first book, "Leviathan Wakes". I think that you'd enjoy more the first book if you are not sure what to expect from Fred Johnson.

Orbit Short Fiction seem to be making something of a success of the short-story form. This is the second one I've read - the first being Mira Grant's Countdown - and while neither of them are breaking exciting new literary ground they are providing an enjoyable set of prequels and spin-off stories from novel-length works or series. Like Countdown, this one too is a prequel - providing some back-story for one of the characters from Leviathan Wakes, Colonel Fred Johnson, the Butcher of AndersoOrbit Short Fiction seem to be making something of a success of the short-story form. This is the second one I've read - the first being Mira Grant's Countdown - and while neither of them are breaking exciting new literary ground they are providing an enjoyable set of prequels and spin-off stories from novel-length works or series. Like Countdown, this one too is a prequel - providing some back-story for one of the characters from Leviathan Wakes, Colonel Fred Johnson, the Butcher of Anderson Station.

Set before the events of Leviathan Wakes, the story is told partly in the present tense and partly through flashbacks to the events on Anderson Station itself. Johnson is a man who, hailed as a hero on Earth for his retaking of Anderson Station and reviled throughout the Belt for the loss of life that attack involved, has failed to come to terms with the manner of his fame. Trying to balance the massive loss of life he caused, the reality that he would make the same decisions again "with the same information" and the realisation that key information was withheld from him to force his behaviour, Johnson is crawling from one Belter bar to another, almost daring somebody to start something.

Certainly one for the Expanse completist. If you liked Leviathan Wakes there's nothing here you won't like (except perhaps you'll wish there was more of it). There's probably not much here for readers with no knowledge of the Expanse series, unless you plan to start here. The situation with the bar seems a little contrived - Johnson has to be brought low before he can rise to the role that Leviathan Wakes has planned for him. For me, it just served as a reminder of how little I could remember of the, somewhat dense, story of that book - I may have to reread it before I move on to Caliban's War.

Again, I'll end with a request for Orbit Short Fiction to pull their collective finger out and get this imprint available outside of the US. But with these stories quite so short as they are, I'd suggest that the pricing may need a 'tweak' as well if they expect people to buy books outside of established series....more

When we met Fred Johnson in LEVIATHAN WAKES, he was the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). We learned that at some point after he brutally liberated Anderson Station on behalf of Earth (earning him the nickname the Butcher of Anderson Station), he defected to the OPA. The novella The Butcher of Anderson Station by James S.A. Corey (the pen name used by Daniel Abraham (Twitter) and Ty Franck) helps fill in some of those missing details surrounding Johnson’s past.

The novella is short (verWhen we met Fred Johnson in LEVIATHAN WAKES, he was the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). We learned that at some point after he brutally liberated Anderson Station on behalf of Earth (earning him the nickname the Butcher of Anderson Station), he defected to the OPA. The novella The Butcher of Anderson Station by James S.A. Corey (the pen name used by Daniel Abraham (Twitter) and Ty Franck) helps fill in some of those missing details surrounding Johnson’s past.

The novella is short (very short in fact, coming in at less than 40 pages), and the plot is somewhat predictable, but Corey takes advantage of flash forwards and flash backs to create a compelling pacing. And readers learn about the many sides of Johnson. By giving the character increased complexity, Corey has made him more sympathetic.

But this is really the literary equivalent of a snack between meals. It’s a little something to tide over readers between books and to keep them interested in the Expanse series. In that way, it succeeds. Corey once again demonstrates “his” skill at mixing cool, space-opera tech with well-defined, interesting characters. I don’t think there is much that would turn me off of the Expanse books, and I’d rather have a novella than a trailer or something like that. I look forward to Corey’s next “snack.”...more

A short story from the Expanse series detailing Fred Johnson's first up close and personal encounter with the Outer Planets Alliance (which he would go on to lead), while also showing in flashback his experience as a Colonel in the United Nations Marine Corps and the military action that earned him the story's title. It may be good as a standalone story, but it's especially enlightening after reading Leviathan Wakes and wanting to know more about the motives of this character.

I know it's against the rules, but I'd rate this somewhere around the 3.78 star mark. Bizarre, I know, but it didn't do enough to warrant a decimal more.

I half knew what to expect coming into this, considering I'm fully up-to-date with the Expanse series, and currently waiting on Nemesis Games' release in June, but was left a little disappointed at how it didn't naturally tee-up Leviathan Wakes. I do understand it, seeing as it's not a direct prequel per se, but in another breath, it doesn't haI know it's against the rules, but I'd rate this somewhere around the 3.78 star mark. Bizarre, I know, but it didn't do enough to warrant a decimal more.

I half knew what to expect coming into this, considering I'm fully up-to-date with the Expanse series, and currently waiting on Nemesis Games' release in June, but was left a little disappointed at how it didn't naturally tee-up Leviathan Wakes. I do understand it, seeing as it's not a direct prequel per se, but in another breath, it doesn't have the power to stand alone as a novella either. Interesting.

As for the story itself: I was just glad to be back in the hands of The Expanse in some shape or form, because I've missed it. The writing was the same, allowing you to really view things from the character's perspective—something James S A Corey does well. It gives you a new outlook on things in the Belt, and another angle to view the whole 'Anderson Station Massacre' in, which was quite refreshing.

Ultimately, this is well worth the read, and is almost part of your duty, if you've read/are reading The Expanse at the moment. If not, it will make almost zero sense to you whatsoever, again reiterating the point that this is not a standalone story, and should be viewed as an offering of backstory to the wonderful world of The Expanse series. ...more

First off: don't read this before Leviathan Wakes. The appreciation of the drastic changes between the protagonist in this book and Leviathan play an important role in appreciating the novella. Even though it is a prequel, it spends no time acclimating you to the world of the Belt and Mars society and Earth politics and why there are tall, skinny, pale people talking like they forgot how to use vowels properly. This just isn't a proper introduction to this universe, you'll find that in LeviathanFirst off: don't read this before Leviathan Wakes. The appreciation of the drastic changes between the protagonist in this book and Leviathan play an important role in appreciating the novella. Even though it is a prequel, it spends no time acclimating you to the world of the Belt and Mars society and Earth politics and why there are tall, skinny, pale people talking like they forgot how to use vowels properly. This just isn't a proper introduction to this universe, you'll find that in Leviathan Wakes. I like to think of it more as a companion than a prequel.

And as a companion to Leviathan Wakes, The Butcher of Anderson Station succeeds marvelously. It doesn't really add anything to the mythology or provide intriguing new characters, but what it does do is show a new side to an important figure from Leviathan: Frederick Johnson (the eponymous Butcher). Told Aaron Sorkin-style with present day scenes (taking place three years before the opening of Leviathan) showing an interrogation of Fred by mysterious OPA members, and intercut with flashbacks to the actual Station's attack.

Because of this, it's a brisk and light read with near-constant tension and a clear and focused skewering of the military's sometimes impulsive and unreasonable reactions in war time. And due to the novella format, the 48 page story manages to cut faster and deeper, and in turn feel a bit more realistic and involving, than its 500 page brother's view on the same issues....more

A solid add-on tale to fill time until the next novel in the Expanse series comes out, The Butcher of Anderson Station tells you how Fred Johnson went from being the eponymous Butcher, to the hope that the Outer Planets Alliance has for peace. I can't say that I was all that surprised by events of this story, as I figured the events of the station assault had gone FUBAR due to the Earth government and not anything Fred did. Wished it was longer, but I guess what I REALLY want is Caliban's War.

Why does someone leave everything behind to join and aid the supposed enemy? Even when the enemy's cause turns out to be just. Even when it's the right thing to do. Why? What is it that pushes someone over the edge of their morality, above and beyond the lies we usually tell ourselves to keep at it? Morality inertia. This is the term I'm coining right here, right now. The inertia that blinds us from right and wrong, that binds us to one path and one way of thinking, so encased in our own biasedWhy does someone leave everything behind to join and aid the supposed enemy? Even when the enemy's cause turns out to be just. Even when it's the right thing to do. Why? What is it that pushes someone over the edge of their morality, above and beyond the lies we usually tell ourselves to keep at it? Morality inertia. This is the term I'm coining right here, right now. The inertia that blinds us from right and wrong, that binds us to one path and one way of thinking, so encased in our own biased cognition that we're unable to recognize said bias, having spent so long doing what we do, living like we do, paying the price we pay for another day just like the one before, just like the one to come.

In the case of the Butcher of Anderson Station, it takes one little girl. And one realization: of having been made into something, without the option of turning it down.

From that point onwards, Fred chose his own destiny. And he's been paying the price ever since....more

After enjoying the two books of the Expanse Series that have been released to far, I decided to give the two released novellas a shot (This one and Gods of Risk). And after fighting my eBook Reader for more than one hour, I finally managed to purchase the book (Seriously, **** you, Sony). This book takes place before the events of Leviathan Wakes and describes the history of the de facto Leader of the OPA.

I enjoyed the novella quite a bit. The history of Fred Johnson explains some of his actionsAfter enjoying the two books of the Expanse Series that have been released to far, I decided to give the two released novellas a shot (This one and Gods of Risk). And after fighting my eBook Reader for more than one hour, I finally managed to purchase the book (Seriously, **** you, Sony). This book takes place before the events of Leviathan Wakes and describes the history of the de facto Leader of the OPA.

I enjoyed the novella quite a bit. The history of Fred Johnson explains some of his actions in the main books, and made him quite a lot more likable in retrospect. Corey also managed to pack a lot of character development into the 20 pages of the novella (about 10 pages of the novella are a preview of the first chapter of Leviathan wakes).

There isn't much to say about the novella, other than that it is worth the $2 for fans of the main Expanse books....more

When you first meet Fred Johnson in James S.A. Corey's Leviathan Wakes, he is the leader of the revolutionary group, the Outer Planets Alliance (also known as the OPA). Before taking this position, he lead a very different life. “The Butcher of Anderson Station” delves into this back story and shows how the decisions he made in life led him from Anderson Station into the arms of the OPA.

Fred Johnson was one of the more interesting side characters in Leviathan Wakes, and I'm quite happy that authWhen you first meet Fred Johnson in James S.A. Corey's Leviathan Wakes, he is the leader of the revolutionary group, the Outer Planets Alliance (also known as the OPA). Before taking this position, he lead a very different life. “The Butcher of Anderson Station” delves into this back story and shows how the decisions he made in life led him from Anderson Station into the arms of the OPA.

Fred Johnson was one of the more interesting side characters in Leviathan Wakes, and I'm quite happy that authors decided to expand upon his character in this short story. Being a prequel, it can be read with or without having read Leviathan Wakes first. Much like Leviathan Wakes, it's divided into two parts, but instead instead of getting multiple perspectives you get multiple time lines. One time line covers his time as the Butcher of Anderson Station, and the other explains his first meeting with the OPA.

I know that there has been a lot of complaints over the length of this story. Although I was expecting a little more, considering the price tag attached (most short story ebooks on amazon are ninety-nine cents, while this was a dollar more), I have to admit that I was pleased the actual content of the story. As with Leviathan Wakes, the authors posses a very accessible writing style, and I was pulled into the story right away. It was satisfying to see Fred take center stage, and I found that it was easy to sympathize with him. It's true that if you go into this story expecting something as epic as Leviathan Wakes, you're going to be a little disappointed. "The Butcher of Anderson Station" is a much smaller, more straightforward tale with fewer twists and turns, but it does give some satisfying back story on an important character.

Final Thoughts- The Butcher of Anderson Station is a solid selection for those who enjoyed Leviathan Wakes, and want a just little more. I'm happy that I ended up reading it. Four stars...more

After reading and loving James S.A. Corey's debut Leviathan Wakes (LJ || WP), I knew I wanted to read this short story before getting my hands on Caliban's War. I finally found a good opportunity to do that, so I downloaded it to my Kindle and read it in one sitting.

The Butcher of Anderson Station is a prequel of sorts, and features a character well-known from Leviathan Wakes, Colonel Fred Johnson. It shows us how he came to be in the position he is in the book. It shows usMy Rating: Good Read

After reading and loving James S.A. Corey's debut Leviathan Wakes (LJ || WP), I knew I wanted to read this short story before getting my hands on Caliban's War. I finally found a good opportunity to do that, so I downloaded it to my Kindle and read it in one sitting.

The Butcher of Anderson Station is a prequel of sorts, and features a character well-known from Leviathan Wakes, Colonel Fred Johnson. It shows us how he came to be in the position he is in the book. It shows us how he earned the nickname The Butcher of Anderson Station. Yes, this is covered in Leviathan Wakes itself, but it is cool to see it in narrative, to see Fred in the moment and in the aftermath. It fleshes out his character in a way we didn't get before, and I really liked the back-and-forth format (which answered my question of how Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck wrote this: one wrote the flashback, the other present day). It does end rather abruptly, but that also makes sense: the reader, if they've already read Leviathan Wakes, knows what happens next. And if the reader hasn't read it yet, well, the Kindle sample is kind enough to provide an excerpt for the book at the end, to tease you into reading more and learning more about the universe.

The full review can be found at my blog, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome. You can read the full review by clicking the link below:

This short tells the story of Colonel Frederick Johnson, one of the major secondary characters in Leviathan Wakes, through a present day "interrogation" and flashbacks to the event. It's does a decent job of building atmosphere, but there's nothing in here that wasn't told explicitly or hinted strongly at in Leviathan Wakes.

This novella focuses on an incident that defined the career of (and eventually the man) one of the characters that plays a key role in Leviathan Wakes. Fred Johnson is the leader of the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance) by the time we meet him in Leviathan Wakes. Throughout the book he was referred to as the Butcher of Anderson Station, however that was never explained.

This story goes back in time and focuses on that story, giving the readers and fans of this new series a terrific first person accounThis novella focuses on an incident that defined the career of (and eventually the man) one of the characters that plays a key role in Leviathan Wakes. Fred Johnson is the leader of the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance) by the time we meet him in Leviathan Wakes. Throughout the book he was referred to as the Butcher of Anderson Station, however that was never explained.

This story goes back in time and focuses on that story, giving the readers and fans of this new series a terrific first person account of exactly what shaped this character. It also gives the reader further insight into how Earth viewed Belters and why Fred eventually turns from hero to traitor. The story feels rather incomplete, though. By the end there's a sense that there's more to Fred, or that there should be more. The political implications are touched upon lightly in this novella, and I'm hoping that the second book of the trilogy will give us more Fred....more

It's been a short fiction kind of evening. I really enjoyed Leviathan Wakes, and I've had The Butcher of Anderson Station sitting in my to-read queue for a good, long while. Though the story fleshes Fred Johnson a bit, it really doesn't add much to the principal storyline. Good character sketch, and it's nice to get a little of the back story. Not an essential story in The Expanse series, but good never the less.

A short and fun look at the background of Fred, leader of Tycho station in the Expanse novels, and how the famed "Butcher of Anderson Station" came to join to OPA.

Recommended primarily to people who have read and enjoyed at least the first novel in the series, Leviathan's Wake. Though it stands on its own, it's interest is certainly heightened by an understand of the character's later life and actions.

I think I was expecting a novella instead of a short story, so the short length was disappointing.

It was still a good story though (as one can expect from Corey). It was good to get a little back story on Fred Johnson, and understand how he could go from BEING the Butcher of Anderson Station, to being a devoted leader in the OPA.

A short and entertaining read that gives some background on Colonel Fred Johnson, who appears in Leviathan Wakes. Although it doesn't really stand alone as a novella, it is worthwhile for the backstory of how Johnson earned his brutal nickname. I would have liked to see this incorporated into Leviathan Wakes as it would have deepened and nuanced Johnson's character.

A short story in the Expanse Universe. I read this after i finished Leviathan Wakes (the first book in the series). Its a fairly standard story of one of the minor characters from the first book. It's set before the first book, and contains flashbacks to a previous time.The writing was good, but as it is a prequel, you knew where it was going.

This was a nice little short story, good character development, interesting, etc.Probably in retrospect shouldn't be read beforeLeviathan Wakes. I feel like I may know more than I'm supposed to. We'll see.

I read this in one sitting and it was enjoyable. By the numbering of it (.5), it seems like it should be read before the first book of the Expanse series but I recommend reading this after the first book. It is too short to have much background info on the expansive (no pun intended) world of this series. I think it would be too confusing to start with this.

Pretty good novella if you read the Expanse, although I find it funny that Fred doesn't have a more central role in the series. I'm hoping we see more of him, and of the Martian governments motives in the following 3 books. I want to know what Fred has done with the protomolecule real bad too. Can't wait for book 4

I really like this universe and the back story is for a main character is a nice touch. My only problem is that this is REALLY short. If you want to get as much as possible from this universe then plop down the two bucks. If not you can probably let this one pass by.

The writing duo known by the pseudonym James S.A. Corey have hit their stride. Across the course of the first two novels their writing style, plot development, and characterization have become quite engaging. Now, they are spinning off e-book content around the core storyline delivered through the novels.

The Butcher of Anderson Station may not be strictly necessary. The novels hint sufficiently at why Fred Johnson defected from the UN Military to became a/the key leader in the Outer Planets AllThe writing duo known by the pseudonym James S.A. Corey have hit their stride. Across the course of the first two novels their writing style, plot development, and characterization have become quite engaging. Now, they are spinning off e-book content around the core storyline delivered through the novels.

The Butcher of Anderson Station may not be strictly necessary. The novels hint sufficiently at why Fred Johnson defected from the UN Military to became a/the key leader in the Outer Planets Alliance. The reason itself is pretty standard fare. Yet, Corey prove they can engage readers in a straightforward story delivered via the familiar flashback technique. How? By plotting it across both his "present" and past with drama, tension, and effective characterization. ...more

Short story/novella that fits into The Expanse after reading Leviathan Wakes. Tells the story of what happens on Anderson Station and how Fred becomes "The Butcher of Anderson Station" and what follows in his life that changes him into the great character some of us know and love.

It's short (about 40 pages) and quick but well worth the time and gives some of the backstory we've been missing.

If you've read The Expanse series then this is highly recommended.If you haven't read any of the series thShort story/novella that fits into The Expanse after reading Leviathan Wakes. Tells the story of what happens on Anderson Station and how Fred becomes "The Butcher of Anderson Station" and what follows in his life that changes him into the great character some of us know and love.

It's short (about 40 pages) and quick but well worth the time and gives some of the backstory we've been missing.

If you've read The Expanse series then this is highly recommended.If you haven't read any of the series then don't read this because you won't appreciate it or understand most of it....more